How long before a skimmer skims? (new)

t5Nitro · 12/02/2009, 11:24 PM

I just plugged my new skimmer in and it only produces a thin line of micro bubbles at the water level in the sump.

Does it just take a certain amount of time? I thought my euro-reef when I first got that was instant full bubbles and skimming.

schneijt · 12/02/2009, 11:32 PM

It may take a few days to start developing a decent foam head and skimming properly. I wouldn't start adjusting anything until you start to see it forming a foam head. Otherwise you run the risk of it possibly overflowing on you while you're away from the tank.

-Joe

t5Nitro · 12/03/2009, 12:13 AM

Sounded like a plan until another person's same skimmer received on the same day is skimming perfectly.

The foam is and has been really good but it just stays at the bottom of the skimmer.

jaypeeroe · 12/03/2009, 12:15 AM

i've heard that two of the same exact models of skimmers will almost always break in a little different (time wise.) i'd let it run a couple days and see how it breaks in. as with everything in this hobby, patience is everything. just my .02

t5Nitro · 12/03/2009, 12:18 AM

Sounds good. I'll let it run.

Rangereefer · 12/03/2009, 12:33 AM

The break in times will be different because your tanks are different as well...you may have have as many disolved organics available to skim....

tkeracer619 · 12/03/2009, 01:21 AM

To me it sounds like it is missing something or not assembled properly.

"it only produces a thin line of micro bubbles at the water level in the sump."

A properly operating skimmer will be full of bubbles, it might not skim, but it still makes the same amount of bubbles.

Lagger · 12/03/2009, 10:30 AM

Well my new aqua euro 135 just started skimming yesterday after 2 weeks of being set-up, even after a vinegar bath. It was frustrating as all h e l l....I was expecting 2-3 days, maybe even 5, but not 2 weeks. I wanted to be like that one guy where "i just want to look at it & say work sucker, lol"

anyways, be patient......

dwl · 12/03/2009, 11:25 AM

John, you are back in?

12/02/2009, 11:24 PM	#1
t5Nitro Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,384	How long before a skimmer skims? (new) I just plugged my new skimmer in and it only produces a thin line of micro bubbles at the water level in the sump. Does it just take a certain amount of time? I thought my euro-reef when I first got that was instant full bubbles and skimming. __________________ ATI T5 club Current Tank Info: Left the hobby, looking to re-enter in the future

12/03/2009, 12:13 AM	#3
t5Nitro Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,384	Sounded like a plan until another person's same skimmer received on the same day is skimming perfectly. The foam is and has been really good but it just stays at the bottom of the skimmer. __________________ ATI T5 club Current Tank Info: Left the hobby, looking to re-enter in the future

12/03/2009, 12:18 AM	#5
t5Nitro Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,384	Sounds good. I'll let it run. __________________ ATI T5 club Current Tank Info: Left the hobby, looking to re-enter in the future

12/03/2009, 01:21 AM	#7
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	To me it sounds like it is missing something or not assembled properly. "it only produces a thin line of micro bubbles at the water level in the sump." A properly operating skimmer will be full of bubbles, it might not skim, but it still makes the same amount of bubbles. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/03/2009, 10:30 AM	#8
Lagger Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Costa Mesa, CA Posts: 1,068	Well my new aqua euro 135 just started skimming yesterday after 2 weeks of being set-up, even after a vinegar bath. It was frustrating as all h e l l....I was expecting 2-3 days, maybe even 5, but not 2 weeks. I wanted to be like that one guy where "i just want to look at it & say work sucker, lol" anyways, be patient...... __________________ mad-hyphenated euro-braced deep-dimension bare-bottom 90g

12/02/2009, 11:32 PM	#2
schneijt Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: West Des Moines, IA Posts: 497	It may take a few days to start developing a decent foam head and skimming properly. I wouldn't start adjusting anything until you start to see it forming a foam head. Otherwise you run the risk of it possibly overflowing on you while you're away from the tank. -Joe

12/03/2009, 12:15 AM	#4
jaypeeroe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: St. Joseph Posts: 71	i've heard that two of the same exact models of skimmers will almost always break in a little different (time wise.) i'd let it run a couple days and see how it breaks in. as with everything in this hobby, patience is everything. just my .02

12/03/2009, 12:33 AM	#6
Rangereefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia, Minnesota Posts: 55	The break in times will be different because your tanks are different as well...you may have have as many disolved organics available to skim....

12/03/2009, 11:25 AM	#9
dwl Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: mission viejo Posts: 524	John, you are back in?